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Olympus has announced the much awaited OM-D Micro Four Thirds camera. Inspired by its iconic namesake the OM cameras from the 70s, the OM-D is a rugged, splashproof and dustproof 16 Megapixel camera that brings many notable innovations to the line of ILC's (Interchangeable Lens Cameras).
Available starting April 2012, the OM-D will cost $999.99 (Body only, available in Black and Silver), $1,299.99 (Black or Silver body with black M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens) and $1,099.99 (Black body with black M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42 mm f3.5-5.6 II R lens).
After successfully reviving their Olympus PEN (and establishing the viability of the Micro Four Thirds system) Olympus decided to bring back another legendary line of cameras but this time aimining for the midrange and prosumer market while throwing in all the features that their weatherproof E5 Four Thirds DSLRs.
With the specs and performance package of the OM-D cameras, it is certain that Olympus is going after Canon and Nikon in the prosumer level ($1000 for body only) segment.
Below are our first impressions based on the pre-production prototype we tested a few weeks ago.
-Olympus has pulled off a subtle blend of retro styling and very a modern yet practical design.
- -The E-M5 is extremely light thanks to the magnesium alloy.
- -It is weather sealed much like the Olympus E5 and E3 DSLRs.
- -Auto focus is the fastest we've used on a Micro Four Thirds camera.
- -The kit lenses will be weather sealed and Olympus will offer sealed Four Third lens adaptors as well.
- -The OLED multi-touch screen is bright and well saturated even under bright conditions and can be angled.
- Olympus is betting big on the OM-D line which will have more bodies and lenses coming. This is very exciting for photographers who want a more advanced Micro Four Thirds system which already has quite a collection of lenses from Olympus and Panasonic.
